Bloggy Love

Have you ever seen the movie Julie and Julia? If not, you probably should. Because since you’re reading this blog, you’re obviously either a blogger, a blog reader, a stalling author, or all of the above. And the movie is all about a blogger.

Well, okay. A gourmet cook and a blogger. They go hand in hand. Sort of.

Anyway, there’s this scene where Julie’s sitting in her cubical at work, and she sneaks a peek at her blog and then jumps up out of her chair, yelling, “I have a comment!” Then she clicks on it, realizes it’s from her mother, and decides it doesn’t count. With a sigh, she flops back down in her chair, looking dejected.

Dude. That is so truly how bloggers feel about their blogs!

I mean, we’re writers, okay. And writers have this deeply ingrained need to know that someone—anyone—reads our stuff, even if it’s just blog posts. Just because someone clicks on the page doesn’t mean they read what we wrote, you know? Comments are like validation of the best kind.

Well, comments and followers. Some days it’s a toss up. But you get my point, right?

Consider all the tons of free stuff we give away. We do it to be nice, yes, and because we think it’s fun, but mostly, it’s selfish. We want readers, people! And we’re willing to spend all kinds of money we’ll never get back to reel you in. We want to know you’re out there and that you’re reading. We want that validation that tells us we’re not just thinking through our fingers and that someone actually got something out of our work as bloggers and writers.

In other words, we need to be loved.

So if you’re out there, and you’re reading regularly but not following or commenting, we—the bloggers of the world—would like to know why. Don’t you love us enough to tell us hi?

*Sniffs dramatically*

*Fakes a sob*

*peeks through fingers to see if the ploy worked*

Carry on.

*Remembers shameless self promotion plug*

Oh, and by the way, come see my new book review blog. Isn’t it pretty? I need followers there, too.

*Nods*

Okay, now carry on.

You Too, Can Make a Difference

This week's random stuff:

It's been a while since I gave something cool away. I recall promising to give away a gift certificate to a Utah restaurant a few weeks ago--however, said certificate has temporarily disappeared. (Hazard of owning more than one purse and having to swap contents regularly.) In any event, I still have other things to give away until that particular prize shows up again. So, keep reading to find out what I'm giving away this week and what you should do to enter.

Okay, next, I'm getting excited about the release of Mormon Mishaps and Mischief: Hilarious Stories for Saints. It doesn't hit shelves until December, but that'll be here before we know it. Come find us on Facebook, or read updates about our book at the Humor Blog. (Our being mine with my coauthor Cindy Beck.)

Also, today I blogged about making tough decisions over at LDS Writer's Blogck. Check it out and leave me lots of comments. (Because, all bloggers just love comments.)

And best of all, in honor of last night's wicked awesome Nickelback concert, I'm posting this video. I truly believe that we all have the power to change the world, so this is inspiring to me.







Now, about the contest. This week I've decided to give away a fun book of mazes called The A-MAZE-ing Book of Mormon by Arie Van DeGraaff. This book is super fun, and full of mind-bending mazes that will keep you / your child busy and quiet for hours. Plus, the illustrating is amazing. Oh, and it's autographed.

To win, you can do a few things:

1. Leave a comment here telling me what you can do to change the world--even if it's just for one person.

2. Check out Arie Van DeGraaff's website or blog and leave a comment telling him I sent you. (Following him is also a great idea.) Oh, and then make sure you tell me you visited--so I know.

3. Log onto Facebook and become a fan of Mormon Mishaps and Mischief. (That's my book that will be released in December!) We love fans! Ooh, and one extra entry for everyone that invites lots of their friends to become fans too. Yes, definitely.

Do one or all of these things by no later than midnight next Wednesday, September 3rd, and you'll be automatically entered to win.

Just in case lady luck is not with you this week, and you want to buy your very own copy of this awesome book for children, click here.

That's it. Good luck everyone!

Nichole